Actress Barbara Barrie, known for her Oscar-nominated role in Breaking Away and extensive television career, died from terminal cancer after undergoing assisted suicide, as first reported by the New York Times and confirmed by her daughter, Jane Harnick.
The Bottom Line
- Barbara Barrie passed away following assisted suicide after battling terminal cancer.
- She earned an Oscar nomination for playing Evelyn in the sports comedy Breaking Away.
- Her career spanned decades on Broadway, in film, and across television hits like Suddenly Susan.
From Chicago Stages to Broadway Recognition
Born in Chicago, Barrie established herself in the theatrical world during the 1950s, performing on Broadway and other major stages. Her stage work earned her a Tony Award nomination. She continued acting in live theater well into her later years.
Oscar-nominated actress Barbara Barrie has died at 95 after choosing medically assisted death under New York law. After years living with incurable lung disease and terminal cancer, her final chapter reflects her lifelong advocacy for personal choice. pic.twitter.com/lCYeqhINyk
Her film career began in 1956 with a role alongside James Dean in his final project, Giant. Decades later, she achieved international renown as Evelyn, the mother of an ambitious young cyclist in Breaking Away. That performance brought her an Academy Award nomination, though the Oscar ultimately went to Meryl Streep.
Extensive Television Career and Later Roles
Television remained Barrie’s primary medium across her career. She appeared in Alfred Hitchcock Presents and the landmark miniseries Roots: The Next Generations. Following the success of Breaking Away, she joined its television spin-off, earning an Emmy Award nomination for her performance.
Her longest-running television project was the sitcom Suddenly Susan, where she shared the screen with Brooke Shields. Her film credits also include Private Benjamin (1980), voicing Alcmene in Disney’s Hercules, and the comedy The Six Wives of Henry Lefay starring Tim Allen.
Personal Life and Health Battles
Barrie was married to actor and producer Jay Harnick from 1964 until 2007. The couple had two children together, including daughter Jane Harnick.
In 1994, Barrie successfully beat a bout of cancer, though the illness returned during her final years. At the time of her death, she was suffering from terminal cancer.
| Project | Role | Year | Accolade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giant | – | 1956 | Film Debut |
| Breaking Away | Evelyn | – | Oscar Nomination |
| Breaking Away (TV Series) | – | – | Emmy Nomination |
| Private Benjamin | – | 1980 | Feature Film |
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